Description:

Kupu has had a significant impact on the revitalisation of te reo Māori in Aotearoa through embracing AI technology and bringing language learning into everyday moments. Spark invited us to bring their vision for the future of Kupu to life by making te reo a more common shared language, while staying true to the original kaupapa of Kupu. In response, we aimed to inspire rangatahi to embrace te reo in a fast-paced, digital world.

Our solution was the integration of Tipu, a learning challenge feature that utilises gamification techniques to empower users to “whakatipu i tō reo” (grow your language). We focused on enhancing Kupu’s spiritual narrative of opening its wings and inviting all who want to learn. We imagine Kupu 3.0 as a tūī soaring across Aotearoa, sent by the earth mother, Papatūānuku, to scatter te reo like seeds that users plant and grow, visualised through their very own Pua (flower).

This project was shaped by collaboration between students, Spark, and educators. This partnership shared knowledge with one another and ensured respect for cultural values. The approach was grounded in tikianga (customs), kawa (protocols), and matauranga (knowledge systems), ensuring that all voices were valued throughout the journey.

This project was grounded in ako, a reciprocal learning concept. We utilised four kōreor sessions, our proposal, two work in progress, and final presentations. With each session, we built trust with each other, learned from one another, refined ideas, and aligned our outcomes with culturally appropriate and community driven responses.

actively integrate into everyday conversations. Powered by our keyboard, which highlights the Māori alphabet and has an added row of Māori vowels, making kōreor easier. With each challenge detected, points are earned which goes towards the growth of their pua.

The pua were inspired by Kowhaiwhai and brought to life through 3D. Each features a pātiki manawa line, to represent an abundance of good things to come in a learner's journey. Attached to the patiki is a variety of koru, koiri, ngutu kura and mangopare, uniquely crafted to create a personal connection to a user's pua of choice.

Pua are placed on a community map to encourage collective growth and friendly competition. The new Tipu Teams, allows users to form groups with friends and whānau, strengthening motivation through shared learning.

The design for Kupu is rooted in te ao Māori, with a strong spiritual narrative woven through its identity. A custom typeface was created with each letterform using three repeating lines like the ones we see in whakairo panels, a design language that shares stories. Winged edges were added to the forms, reinforcing Kupu’s role in uplifting te reo. The refreshed icon set follows the same forms to tie the visual language together.

This project envisions a future where rangatahi and the wider community of Aotearoa embrace te reo Māori into everyday life, supporting the revitalisation of te reo Māori and its culture.